Hello, everyone! Today we’re going to dive into a very important part of the Bible – Romans 7:15-25a. This passage is particularly important for us as teenagers because it talks about the struggle between our sinful nature and our desire to do what’s right. It’s something we all experience, especially in the challenging teenage years. Understanding this passage will help us grow in our faith, learn how to manage this struggle, and ultimately live a life that glorifies God.
Bible Reading: Romans 7:15-25a
Let’s start by reading the passage together:
“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do… For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing… Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Understanding the Passage
- Paul, the author of Romans, is expressing his struggle with sin. He knows what’s right but finds himself doing the opposite. This is a struggle we can all relate to, especially as teenagers when we’re faced with many temptations.
- The ‘body that is subject to death’ refers to our sinful nature. Paul feels trapped by his sinful actions, just like sometimes we might feel stuck in a pattern of wrong choices.
- The last line gives us hope. Despite our struggles, God delivers us through Jesus. We’re not left alone in our fight against sin!
Discussion Questions
- Can you relate to Paul’s struggle with sin? Share an example from your own life.
- How does it make you feel to know that even Paul, an apostle, struggled with sin?
- What does ‘God delivers us through Jesus’ mean to you personally?
Youth Group Game: ‘Tug of War’
Now, let’s play a game that illustrates the struggle Paul describes. We’ll play ‘Tug of War’. We’ll divide into two teams. One team represents the ‘desire to do good’, the other represents the ‘sinful nature’. As we play, think about the pull and tension you feel. This is similar to what we experience in our spiritual lives.
Closing Thoughts and Prayer
Remember, it’s normal to experience the struggle Paul describes. But we’re not alone. Just like in our Tug of War game, there’s a stronger force on our side – Jesus. When we feel pulled towards sin, we can lean on Him for strength.
Let’s close with a prayer:
“Dear God, thank you for understanding our struggles and for giving us Jesus to help us overcome them. Help us to lean on you when we are tempted and to choose your way over ours. Thank you for your forgiveness and your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Keep these lessons in mind as you go through your week. Remember, the struggle is real, but so is God’s love and power to help us overcome it!